The Influence of Settlement in the Upper Mississippi Valley on the Methods of Cereal Culture in the United States (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ...fytiili, -'-..-/. g.Eighth Census, Agriculture, Introduction, p.xxi. (--."- - i. & ' 0 - ..-'., - "' - - - X -Agricultural implements manufactured in 1850 and in 1860 brings out the increased use of farm machinery. The total value manufactured in 185C was $6,842,611, in 1860 it was l7,862,514., being An advance of about 160 per cent. The fact that there was a gradual forward movement in the introduction of improved machinery during the entire period from 1847 to 1860 is quite apparent: but the rapidity with which the improved implements were brought into use was so different for different localities, that general statements give no accurate notion of the way in which the substitution of the new for the old machinery was effected. The use of harvesting and threshing machines in the wheat regions of the Vest were said, as early as 1847, to have added a considerable increase 2 to the amount of wheat raised. In marked contrast with the general trend of affairs, are found occasional cases of lethargy in individuals and in communities which failed to keep pace with the general improvement. As late as 1850, a Mr.Ruffin of Chesterfield Co., Virginia, wrote: "I use for reaping only the scythe and cradle." However in commenting on improvements in farming he goes on to say: "Perhaps a still greater benefit may be found in the substitution of reaping machines, which even nov/ are used by most of the good farmers of my neighborhood. But because of their great liability to get out of order and the difficulties of working them, and 1. Eighth Census, Agriculture, ...